Change management 'vital in revamping clinical software'

Life science and healthcare companies seeking to implement new clinical information systems have been reminded of the importance of change management policies.

CMIO magazine organised a recent summit of clinical IT leaders to discuss issues facing management staff of organisations when implementing technology such as computerised physician order entry systems.

It was noted by the experts present that corporate culture is naturally resistant to change, making it essential to plan for a change management process over several years.

This may involve developing a governance model for the new system over time, as well as ensuring that staff are briefed on the purpose of the upgrade and the scale of the change that will be involved.

Dr Justin Graham, chief medical informatics officer at NorthBay Health System in the US, said: "This is how human beings accept change. You may still have to fight these battles and lead the change management enterprise for many years to come."

According to a poll by global talent management consultancy DDI earlier this month, change management aptitude is considered by UK business leaders to be a quality that will be vital for corporate growth in the coming years.

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